Understanding Everyday Relationship Work: The Development of a Relationship Maintenance Scale

Relationship maintenance behaviors contribute to the longevity of intimate relationships, yet existing scales are limited. Available measurement tools are primarily constrained to the Relationship Maintenance Strategy Measure (RMSM) and its further revisions. Covering a number of domains, conceptual overlap with other aspects of an intimate relationship (e.g., household division of labor) may exist. Our cross-sectional exploratory study included participants from 60 countries (n=8,162) who completed an online survey. Participants were diverse in their relationship status, age, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity. From their responses, we developed a parsimonious and brief measure of relationship maintenance (8 items) through exploratory and then confirmatory factor analyses. Results indicated that the Relationship Maintenance Scale (RMS) shows initial evidence of reliability and validity. The RMS may have utility in working with couples and families. Future research should seek to re-test its use with varied samples, such as couples seeking relationship support

Relationship Quality and Sexuality: A Latent Profile Analysis of Long-term Heterosexual and LGB Long-term Partnerships

Purpose: Drawing on survey data (N = 7,826) collected in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, this paper examines whether sexual orientation is a differentiating factor in explaining relationship quality and maintenance. Previous research suggests that sexual orientation is not significant in determining relationship satisfaction; however, these analyses have used traditional variable driven approaches, which do not provide an holistic view of the relationship by considering the unique combination of characteristics. Method:In this study, latent profile analyses were used, which is a person-centered approach that allows for identification of different types of long-term relationships. Results: Data suggested that LGB individuals had marginally higher levels of relationship quality compared to their heterosexual counterparts, and sexual orientation was also associated with differing types of long-term relationships. Discussion: These findings are interrogated in more detail, in particular, how sexual orientation is associated with types of long-term relationships and how everyday practices are associated with relationship quality

Measuring Relationship Quality in an International Study: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Validity

Objective: This study reports on the operationalization and testing of the newly developed Relationship Quality (RQ) scale, designed to assess an individual’s perception of his or her RQ in their current partnership. Methods: Data were generated through extended sampling from an original U.K.-based research project, Enduring Love? Couple relationships in the 21st century. This mixed methods study was designed to investigate how couples experience, understand, and sustain their long-term relationships. This article utilizes the cross-sectional, community sample (N = 8,132) from this combined data set, drawn primarily from the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. A two-part approach to scale development was employed. An initial 15-item pool was subjected to exploratory factor analysis leading into confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling. Results: The final 9-item scale evidenced convergent construct validity and known-groups validity along with strong reliability. Conclusion: Implications for future research and professional practice are discussed

Inhibition of post-ganglionic motor transmission in vas deferens by indirectily acting sympathomimetic drugs

Usando um campo elétrico estimulador, com séries curtas de pulsos (menor que 10 por série), a transmissão motora pós-ganglionar nos vasos deferentes de mamíferos foi posteriormente analisada do ponto de vista farmacológico

Palmitic acid induces inflammation in placental trophoblasts and impairs their migration toward smooth muscle cells through plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

A critical component of early human placental development includes migration of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) into the decidua. EVTs migrate toward and displace vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) surrounding several uterine structures, including spiral arteries. Shallow trophoblast invasion features in several pregnancy complications including preeclampsia. Maternal obesity is a risk factor for placental dysfunction, suggesting that factors within an obese environment may impair early placental development. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid circulating at high levels in obese women, induces an inflammatory response in EVTs that hinders their capacity to migrate toward SMCs. We found that SMCs and SMC-conditioned media stimulated migration and invasion of an EVT-like cell line, HTR8/SVneo. Palmitic acid impaired EVT migration and invasion toward SMCs, and induced expression of several vasoactive and inflammatory mediators in EVTs, including endothelin, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and PAI1. PAI1 was increased in plasma of women with early-onset preeclampsia, and PAI1-deficient EVTs were protected from the anti-migratory effects of palmitic acid. Using first trimester placental explants, palmitic acid exposure decreased EVT invasion through Matrigel. Our findings reveal that palmitic acid induces an inflammatory response in EVTs and attenuates their migration through a mechanism involving PAI1. High levels of palmitic acid in pathophysiological situations like obesity may impair early placental development and predispose to placental dysfunction

Paper: Expert Viewers\u27 Preferences for Higher Frame Rate 3D Film

Recently the movie industry has been advocating the use of frame rates significantly higher than the traditional 24 frames per second. This higher frame rate theoretically improves the quality of motion portrayed in movies, and helps avoid motion blur, judder and other undesirable artifacts. Previously we reported that young adult audiences showed a clear preference for higher frame rates, particularly when contrasting 24 fps with 48 or 60 fps. We found little impact of shutter angle (frame exposure time) on viewers’ choices. In the current study we replicated this experiment with an audience composed of imaging professionals who work in the film and display industry who assess image quality as an aspect of their everyday occupation. These viewers were also on average older and thus could be expected to have attachments to the “film look” both through experience and training. We used stereoscopic 3D content, filmed and projected at multiple frame rates (24, 48 and 60 fps), with shutter angles ranging from 90◦ to 358◦, to evaluate viewer preferences. In paired-comparison experiments we assessed preferences along a set of five attributes (realism, motion smoothness, blur/clarity, quality of depth and overall preference). As with the young adults in the earlier study, the expert viewers showed a clear preference for higher frame rates, particularly when contrasting 24 fps with 48 or 60 fps. We found little impact of shutter angle on viewers’ choices, with the exception of one clip at 48 fps where there was a preference for larger shutter angle. However, this preference was found for the most dynamic “warrior” clip in the experts but in the slower moving “picnic” clip for the naïve viewers. These data confirm the advantages afforded by high-frame rate capture and presentation in a cinema context in both naïve audiences and experienced film professionals.https://source.sheridancollege.ca/centres_sirt_works/1002/thumbnail.jp

SPACE, CYBER, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAW: 2019-2020 Annual Report

In assembling this Annual Report we appreciated the opportunity to review major accomplishments and growth of the Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law (SCTL) program during the 2019-2020 academic year. Of course, this was a year like no other as we responded to an unfolding global pandemic. We are proud of what we accomplished prior to that and of our response in the face of that sudden change. For readers unfamiliar with the program, the SCTL program was established in 2007 largely in response to interest by the U.S. Air Force in establishing a U.S. based program in space law to which it could send Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers. At the time it was established, the law school recognized the narrowness of the field and decided to focus the program more broadly on space law as the thencurrent domain of interest to the Department of Defense (DoD), on cyberlaw as the likely next domain of interest both to DoD and the nation generally, and on telecommunications as a common foundation necessary to both. We continue to focus on service to the state of Nebraska, taking on issues such as the rural digital divide and agricultural access to broadband, and our global community. We engage with international organizations and colleagues on challenges our society faces in space and online. The program faculty (and students) are active researchers, and the program organizes various events, including an annual conference in Washington, D.C. (one of the largest regular events focusing on space law), an annual conference in conjunction with USSTRATCOM (on DoD operational issues relating to space, cyber, and related issues), and an annual conference in Lincoln focusing on telecommunications and cyber issues as they impact the region. We appreciate continued support from the state of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska, our board members, and many of our friends and colleagues across the world

Evidence that Viewers Prefer Higher Frame Rate Film

High frame rate (HFR) movie-making refers to the capture and projection of movies at frame rates several times higher than the traditional 24 frames per second. This higher frame rate theoretically improves the quality of motion portrayed in movies, and helps avoid motion blur, judder and other undesirable artefacts. However, there is considerable debate in the cinema industry regarding the acceptance of HFR content given anecdotal reports of hyper-realistic imagery that reveals too much set and costume detail. Despite the potential theoretical advantages, there has been little empirical investigation of the impact of high-frame rate techniques on the viewer experience. In this study we use stereoscopic 3D content, filmed and projected at multiple frame rates (24, 48 and 60 fps), with shutter angles ranging from 90 degrees to 358 degrees, to evaluate viewer preferences. In a paired-comparison paradigm we assessed preferences along a set of five attributes (realism, motion smoothness, blur/clarity, quality of depth and overall preference). The resulting data show a clear preference for higher frame rates, particularly when contrasting 24 fps with 48 or 60 fps. We found little impact of shutter angle on viewers’ choices, with the exception of one measure (motion smoothness) for one clip type. These data are the first empirical evidence of the advantages afforded by high frame rate capture and presentation in a cinema context.https://source.sheridancollege.ca/centres_sirt_works/1000/thumbnail.jp

Building an interactive online textbook: a tool at our fingertips

BACKGROUND: Last year, we reported on the Health SciencesToolkit,which is an intensive bridging program that covers basic concepts in the disciplines of chemistry and biology, and then applies them to anatomy and physiology(Kapoor, Megaw, Harrison, Simcock & Miller 2018). We needed a resource that would lay the foundations for this diverse range of disciplines. As today's university students are often considered digital natives, we triedto source anE-book. Unable to finda commercially available text book pitched at an appropriate level, we decided to build our own, embracing Macknight's advice on creating online content to create ahealthylearning environment(2019).Here,we report on the development of a custom-made online textbook for ToolKit. PROCESS: The educational software company TopHat provided us access to online resources from which we could source and modify content. We produced a 10-chapter text book; each chapter matched a content module and explicitly linked with the learning outcomes of the subject. The modification included the insertion of links to interactive learning resources for student exploration. Each chapter concluded with a list of key words and concepts, a summary discussion, and selected multiple choice questions for knowledge consolidation and review; we were able to regulate the timing of the release of chapters.The textbook was hosted within the TopHatlearning platform and students were given access on payment of a minimal fee($11). REFLECTION: We found the development of the custom textbook a very efficient and effective process. We did not have to worry about copyright issues; or the time-consuming editing process for consistency, as the$6000 contract outlay to TopHat covered that. The resource can be edited, scaffolded and customised to future cohort needs(we can report on this process as we have also utilized this resource for an AQF-5 level diploma subject based on the ToolKit). Most importantly, the majority of students found the interactive text book useful for their understanding of the subject content, a finding supported by others (for example,Chen 2018) who have used custom-built online textbooks to create engaging digital learning environments